Press Release: 2008 Sigma Series Release, the Shape of things to come.
Naish Kiteboarding is excited to announce the release of the 2008 Sigma Series kites; The Helix, Alliance, Cult, and Code; Four revolutionary kites that will change the sport. Naish’s new Sigma design concepts and Geo-Tech construction define the natural evolution of using new technologies to adapt to the ever-changing performance requirements of modern kites. Visually striking while providing amazing canopy tension, these kites have unmatched stability and wind range, precise handling, light and linear bar pressure, and unbelievably easy water re-launch capabilities. One glimpse, one ride, and you will never look at Kiteboarding the same again.
Technical Characteristics:
The Naish Sigma Series uses two new patented design features: Sigma ∑ Outline and Geotech. Both increase performance at different levels, and their combination creates an amazing step forward in kite performance.
Sigma ∑ Outline is a radically re-shaped leading edge that moves a large portion of the center canopy behind the tow point. The result is a perfectly balanced kite that delivers significant performance improvements in the areas of overall stability, bar pressure and feel, turning, and relaunch.
Geo-Tech is a new concept that provides constant tension in the kites canopy by incorporating straight line segments in the leading edge. With the constant canopy tension, the overall foil profile is perfectly controlled and defined, which allows the kite to remain extremely stable through the entire range of depower and considerably increases the wind range.
The combination of Geo-Tech and Sigma ∑ Outline creates the most precise and controllable kites ever.
The Helix will be released mid-summer, with the Cult and Alliance following in the early fall, and the Code following soon after. The following image provides three different angles of the Helix.
For 2008 Naish found that form truly did follow function. The following FAQ’s and technical information provide some background and technical explanations behind Sigma ∑ Outline and Geo-Tech.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, By Damien Girardin, Kite Designer.
1. Is the new Sigma shape real technology or just marketing hype?
Actually this new shape improves the kite performance at every level. The Sigma Outline is an advanced engineering design that increases the efficiency of our kites. The shape is the product of our extensive R & D efforts, not marketing.

2. Why should I buy a Sigma Series Kite over a bow kite?
The performance of Sigma Outline kites combined with the Geo-Tech design is far superior to any bow concept in that the keeps the kite more stable than any bow, there is no inversion with Sigma Series kites, and they have a wider wind range due to more efficient profiles. If you only ride 5-line kites, we have the Sigma shape kite for you as well: the Alliance. The Alliance is a perfect hybrid of an SLE and a C-shape kite with all of the benefits of the Sigma shaping and Geo-Tech design.

3. If the Sigma Series kites are so good, why do you still manufacture a high depower C-shape kites like the Torch?
For the last four years the Torch has been the foundation of the Naish Kiteboarding line. It’s excellent and reliable freestyle performance has made it a test winner in every category for C-shape kites. Why does the Torch still exist? Because it is simply the greatest C-shape kite ever made. Period.

4. Does Geo-Tech construction work only with Sigma Series kites?
No. Geo-Tech could work on all types of kites, although its advantages are maximized on kites with high depower. The principle of the Geotech design is to keep the tension of the canopy in between the struts on the leading edge side of the kite. Some designers believe that you need fiberglass battens to hold the canopy shape. Not only do battens add weight, they are a poor over engineered solution to this problem. The fiberglass battens stiffen the entire kite and make it harder to turn, thus a compromise in design is necessary in order to make it turn well. By comparison, Geo-Tech is extremely simple, as it requires fewer seams. The tension of the canopy between the struts is amazing compared to any kite without Geo-Tech. It is very noticeable when the kite is depowered (i.e. when the angle of attack is very close to the wind direction). The result is a kite that keeps its easy steering ability even when it is sheeted out. The tension in the canopy also gives the kite an overall cleaner profile during every moment of your riding session for better upwind, jumps, and overall performance.

5. If the Sigma Series kites have a good wind range, why do you manufacture so many sizes for each model?
At Naish our philosophy is to offer the best possible kite for every customer. We want people to be able to create their perfect quiver of kites without having to compromise because one size is missing in our line. You will not need every size that we offer by any means, but you will have the choice that you want when building your perfect quiver.
6. Will I have to adapt my style in order to ride the new Sigma Series kites?
No. If you’re used to SLE kites in 2:1 the only difference on the Helix will be a little less bar pressure and, of course, dramatically improved performance. If you’re used to SLE kites in 1:1 the only difference will be the enhanced performance and overall more responsive bar feeling. You will not feel any dead spots in the power of the kite as the bar feedback is far more positive. If you are a C-shape rider you’ll ride the SLE Sigma Series kites in 1:1 configuration to achieve the feel that you are used to. For dedicated 5-line riders, we recommend the Alliance.
7. Can I do freestyle tricks with a Sigma Series kite?
Yes. The Sigma Series kites offer everything a freestyle rider could ask for. Riders used to C shapes kites, we recommend using the Sigma SLE kites in 1:1 configuration or the Alliance for C-shape bar feeling.
8. I am a beginner who has taken my first lessons and I am now ready to buy my first kite. Which kite will allow me to progress without outgrowing it too fast?
If you have just taken lessons, there are two kites in the Naish line that we recommend for a first kite purchase: the Code and the Cult. The Code is an easy to use kite that is a great first kite to get you out on the water, while the Cult is an All-Terrain kite that will fit every demand from beginner to expert.
9. How do the Helix, Cult, Code, and Alliance relaunch?
The Helix, Cult, and Code kites relaunch with the same technique as you’re used to with previous SLE kites. When the kite is in the water, you pull one back line to make the kite rotate and then relaunch, except it is now a lot easier due to the Sigma Outline The Alliance relaunches like any 5-line kite.
10. Do the new kites have different profiles than previous kites?
Yes. We do have new profiles for this year. Due to the Geo-Tech design, the canopy becomes much cleaner and efficient. This allowed us to design profiles able to be perfected in a much more detailed and effective way. We no longer have to modify profiles to compensate for the deformation of the kite canopy when riding.
11. Is there a patent on the Geo-Tech design?
Yes. We have the exclusive use for the Geo-Tech design. By simply pumping up a Sigma Series kite and putting it next to any other kite without GeoTech, it is clear the advantages that our kites have. As soon as you fly our kites with GeoTech, you will find that nothing else compares. A tight, clean canopy, straight leading edge segments, and efficient use of seams and profiles.
12. What about super flat kites with loose canopies that rely on the wind to keep the profile? Do you utilize the same concept on the Sigma Series kites?
No, we don’t. The reason why you would need to make struts that don’t hold the profile is to compensate for the lack of stability of your kite. What that means is that you have to compromise the performance of the kite by having a non-rigid profile for it to fly correctly. With the Sigma Series kites, the kite is naturally stable due to its design. This means that you can keep rigid profile and still have superior performance. If you look at the sails on racing boats, you will see that they are as rigid as possible on the front in order to keep the profile stable all the time. The same idea is put into action with the GeoTech design. This rigid design is only possible on flat kites with the Sigma shape.

13. How would you describe the Sigma Series?
The Sigma Series is the natural evolution of depowering kites; a whole new angle on kiteboarding.
For more information about the 2008 Naish Helix and upcoming Sigma Series kites, visit www.naishkites.com. You will find details about the entire 2008 Sigma Series, technical specifications of the 2008 Helix, in-depth diagrams and descriptions of Geo-Tech, technical videos, and photos of the Helix in action.
To view the latest Helix technical video, go to www.naish.tv.